Batum on Roy

LA on Roy

The Portland Trail Blazers swept the season-series with the Minnesota Timberwolves by defeating them decisively 109-94.

However, there was another story plot.

Brandon Roy finally made his much anticipated return to the Rose Garden as a member of the Timberwolves. And even though it was killing him not to be on the court playing, the ovation he received from the fans in the first quarter more than made up for his playing absence.

The Trail Blazers called a timeout 5:39 into the game and the jumbo-tron camera swooped in on Roy and suddenly you heard screaming and applauses. It was a standing ovation. The three-time All-Star was all smiles as he waved his hands in a state of shock.

“I had a feeling something like that might happen but I didn't think they would do that so early in the game,” Roy told CSNNW.com. “I was completely shocked. I didn't know what to do so I just waved.”

All 20,390 stood up to show their gratitude towards a key figure who had so much to do with the transforming of a team from the Jail Blazer era to now what is a respectable organization.

Tonight's ovation touched Roy to the point that he compared this evening to how he felt after the birth of his first child, Brandon Roy Jr.

“You know before your child is born and you wonder what he may look like and when he's born, he's just perfect?” Roy asked. “That's the way I felt tonight. I didn't know what to expect but it was just perfect. It caught me by surprise. For them to do that, showed me how important I was and I will be forever grateful for that moment.”

Roy says he considers himself to be a “regular person.” He said even when he was attending multiple All-Star games, he was always amazed at the talent he was amongst, never once feeling like he belonged.

But tonight it was hard not to feel anything but special when 30 seconds of a full timeout was dedicated solely to him.

“It's weird, because I don't see myself as a great player,” Roy said. “I'm your everyday guy that has to work to get what he wants like everyone else. I never viewed myself in that light. It's amazing to see how many people stood up and acknowledged me. It was an incredible feeling. I can't really put it in words.”

Roy sat at the end of the Timberwolves' bench talking and supporting his teammates. He would constantly go over to Derrick Williams during timeouts and issue words of wisdom.

“I just kept telling Derrick where he needed to be and where to attack from,” Roy said. “He has another gear that he doesn't even know about. I'm just trying to help him get there.”

Roy didn't return to the bench in the second half and that was his plan all along. He spent that time catching up with Trail Blazers chaplain Al Egg in the weight room followed by speaking with CSNNW.com.

Regardless if Roy ever takes an NBA court again, I think he was finally able to see that he made his mark on the league and the city of Portland in a short time span. Not everyone gets a rousing ovation after just five seasons.

For that, Roy is humbled.

“It was just great to be back,” he said. “I'm glad I came and I want to let everyone here know that I'm very appreciative for what they did tonight. Hopefully I touched their lives just like they touched mine tonight.”

I think you did, Brandon. I think you did.

Chris Haynes is the Cavaliers beat reporter and NBA Insider for Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com. He was formerly the Trail Blazers and NBA Insider right here at CSNNW.com